Naval Museum of Alberta

Naval Museum of Alberta

The Naval Museum of Alberta (NMA) traces its origins to HMCS Tecumseh in Calgary which was formed to serve the Naval Reserve establishment at the end of the Second World War. The NMA originally opened in 1988 at the "stone frigate" HMCS Tecumseh to accommodate the naval aircraft that survived the Tecumseh fire in 1981.

The museum has quickly grown into the largest Canadian naval museum in the country. In October 2008, the Naval Museum moved to its current location when it was re-commissioned in its new facilities as part of The Military.

Naval Collections

The NMA has the distinction of having the most complete collection of major ship weapons systems in Canada. The Museum also has an extensive collection of archives, artefacts and photographs related to Canadian naval and maritime history which is held in the University of Calgary Library and Archives which is held on site in the same building.

The University of Calgary also retains the Naval Documentation Preservation and Research Centre. The Naval Museum’s supporting organization, the Naval Museum of Alberta Society, houses a Major Artefact Rehabilitation Centre located nearby at the NMAS Annex at the site of HMCS Tecumseh.

The NMA also hosts a replica of a Second World War wheelhouse, one of only three Banshee Naval jet fighters left in the world, and a working periscope from the Canadian Submarine Ojibwa that was decommissioned in 1998. The NMA also houses an original German Enigma machine that was used to encrypt messages sent to U-boats at sea.

At the NMA, you'll learn about the ships that Canadian sailors have plied the seas in for over 100 years, and the sailors themselves who have worked to protect our sovereignty, our freedoms and the longest coastline in the world.

The Military Museums of Calgary, Alberta

The Military Museums (TMM) is a Canadian Forces tri-service history, heritage, art, research, and educational institution.

The Military Museums is dedicated to preserving the memories and traditions of the countless Canadians who proudly served their country through numerous wars and conflicts by their selfless dedication, commitment and courage.